Earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to sign a comprehensive partnership agreement. During a press conference, Merz stressed that Russia cannot win the war, which has now entered its fifth year, and that the country must end it immediately.
It was on Tuesday that President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Berlin to sign, among other things, a defense agreement that elevates the relationship between the countries to the level of a strategic partnership.
The agreement includes expanded military cooperation, with Germany committing to strengthen support in several key areas. This concerns, among other things, air defense, long-range weapons systems, drones, and ammunition.
At a joint press conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of mutual exchange.
– Now, more than ever, we want to learn from each other, said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Ukraine Wants to Export Drones
The agreement also includes a memorandum of understanding between the countries’ defense ministries on the electronic exchange of military data. According to Zelensky, additional agreements were also signed on the same day.
The initiative is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to strengthen international defense cooperation while expanding its domestic defense industry, which has grown rapidly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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In recent weeks, Ukraine has reached similar defense agreements with three countries in the Gulf region. At the end of March, a ten-year security agreement was also signed with Bulgaria.
In parallel, the country’s defense sector has developed significantly, especially in areas such as drone technology and electronic warfare. Earlier in 2025, Zelensky announced that Ukraine plans to export defense technology and establish production lines in partner countries.
Since then, several agreements on joint development and production have been concluded, while Ukrainian defense companies have attracted new investments from abroad.
Merz: No Chance for Russia to Win
Since 2022, Germany has been one of Ukraine’s largest European supporters, providing extensive deliveries of military equipment and financial aid. According to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, there is no possibility for Russia to win the war, even though the frontlines in eastern Ukraine have yet to shift in Ukraine’s favor.
– This is a very clear signal to Russia – in our efforts to defend Ukraine, we will keep up the pace. Russia must end this war immediately – it has no chance of winning it.
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Merz also stated that Germany and the EU will take further measures to pressure Russia, including stopping cargo ships currently operating to and from the country – a transport route on which Russia is heavily dependent, especially for oil exports.
At the press conference, Merz also emphasized that Ukraine represents a significant economic opportunity for Germany. He elaborated by highlighting the deepened cooperation in several areas, as well as reconstruction efforts.
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Watch the full press conference with Zelensky and Merz: